By Emma G. Harrison, Editor-in-Chief

I’ve never really been a lover of scary movies, but when the leaves start to change and there is a slight breeze in the air, nothing stops me from finding some of the best cozy fall movies among the plethora of spooky cinema. So whether you are trying to take a break from homework, relax with your family or friends, or just want to channel the “it’s fall y’all” spirit, here is a list of movies that will have you craving pumpkin spice.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Honestly, nothing gets me in a cozy mood more than an Audrey Hepburn movie, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a perfect one to start with, from the wardrobe all the way to the symbolism of seasons changing. Released in 1961, this movie follows the whimsical Holly Golightly living in New York. Her free-spirited life gets turned upside down when a writer, Paul Varjak, moves into her apartment building. Full of twists and turns, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is sure to keep you on your toes and leave you in love with the plot. Fun fact! This movie features the original cover of “Moon River,” sung by Audrey Hepburn and composed by Henry Mancini, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1961 and won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Song of the Year in 1962, before entering the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

The first day of fall means we are all yearning for a day off from school. So what is more fall than a movie about taking a day off! After persuading his best friend to “borrow” his dad’s 1961 Ferrari 250 GT, Ferris Bueller skips school for an adventure with his best friend and girlfriend, exploring all over the city of Chicago. But things aren’t all fine and dandy when the school principal is out to get you!

The Princess Bride

“Aaaaas yoouuu wiiiiish,” I say as you ask me for more movie recommendations. Full of sword fights and love declarations, this is such a classic, cozy, family-friendly film. In this movie, two long-lost lovers find their way back to each other, but not without trials and tribulations of the pirating life and courtly intrigue trying to keep them apart. And did I mention there is also an evil prince named Humperdinck who wears really funny-looking pants? Between the romance, medieval setting, and the action-packed scenery, this movie is perfect for all types of movie lovers.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

It is a long-standing tradition of mine to watch this on Halloween night after an evening of family activities. In this fall classic, Linus writes his annual letter to the “Great Pumpkin,” a mythical being who brings toys to the most spirited children during Halloween night. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown has been invited to his first Halloween party, giving Snoopy the perfect opportunity to have a high-flying adventure. This movie gives me instant nostalgia for my childhood as I watch Charlie Brown and his crew find the meaning of friendship during the Halloween season.

Movie Series

What’s better than one movie? How about two…or three? Maybe six?

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

As long as I can remember, my family has been watching these enchanting movies every fall season. With six movies in this series, get your snacks and blankets ready to enjoy a movie marathon, or spread out all six movies over the fall season. If you aren’t familiar with this epic series, both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings follow the unexpected journeys of two homebody Hobbits as a magic ring wreaks havoc on Middle Earth. Just be sure to watch them in chronological order, starting with The Hobbit, set about 60 years earlier, so you catch all the little nods and details that make The Lord of the Rings so spectacular.

Twilight

I have to be transparent with you here; I have never watched the whole Twilight saga without literally falling asleep. I know, I know; “Why are you writing about it if you’ve never seen it?” Well, I can confidently say that I am on the Twilight meme page, plus a few of my good friends here at Imaginary Gardens give it their full support as one of the best fall sagas. So I’ve collected a few quotes from them to show they can show their love!

“In the state of Washington, under a constant cover of clouds and rain, there’s a small town named Forks” — Jacqueline Ayala, Social Media Editor.

“That part where Bella is depressed for 10 minutes is very fall core” — Ash Beach, Business Team Lead.

“The immaculate fall vibes with the combination of second-hand embarrassment make Twilight a movie I come back to every single time there’s a slight breeze in the air.” — Carlie Abbott, Alum Editor.

Hotel Transylvania

When I tell you this series might be my all-time favorite, I mean it. I love the silly, goofy vibes of these movies, and they are always sure to leave me in a cozy fall mood. Hotel Transylvania follows the fictional life of a cartoon Count Dracula and all his family and friends who live in his monster hotel. As the family grows and changes throughout each movie, one thing remains the same: everybody has a “zing.”

The Slightly Spooky

Okay, I know I said I don’t really partake in spooky movies; however, there are a few I can get behind.

Knives Out

There is nothing more fall-like than a murder mystery. And with cozy autumn fashion and a moody Gothic mansion, Knives Out creates the ultimate crisp-weather atmosphere. Knives Out is the first of three movies in this franchise. Each movie follows a private detective, Benoit Blanc, solving a mystery. In this one, it is the murder of Harlan Thrombey, a renowned crime novelist. Police first rule it as suicide, but what is discovered is more twisted and lethal than at first glance.

Clue

I know, like the rest of us, you are probably missing Tim Curry, and while many of us might choose to watch Rocky Horror Picture Show, you could settle for a cozier vibe with Clue. (Before I continue telling you about this classic, go read this article written by Imaginary Gardens staff writer Blake Willson!) Clue is another murder mystery set in a mansion full of six socialites with various means and motives for murder. The lights go out and panic sets in as they all begin figuring out who done it!

Scream (1996)

While I can’t tell you that the whole franchise is good, I can without a doubt stand behind the first movie of the series. One year after the murder of Sydney Prescott’s mom, Maureen Prescott, Sydney finds herself the target in a spree of killings performed by a masked serial killer, Ghostface. What will they do in the sleepy town of Woodsboro, California? You have to watch to find out, but remember, “Never say ‘who’s there?’”

Well, there you have it! A curated list of fall movies straight from my Letterboxd account (which you can follow here!)

Happy first full week of fall! I hope your autumn is a cozy one!

– Emma G. Harrison, Editor-in-Chief